‘Yote Notes – April 8, 2004

Mike Safford Jr. – Sports Info. Director

msafford@albertson.edu

BASEBALL (18-21): Coyotes look to stop five-game losing streak with three-game set vs. Western Baptist

LAST WEEK: at Concordia (L 9-2, L 11-2, L 9-4); vs. Utah Valley State (L 9-5, L 11-4)

COMING UP: vs. Western Baptist, Friday, 3 p.m. (live on 1450 KIOV-AM); vs. Western Baptist (DH), Saturday, Noon; at University of Utah (DH), Tuesday, Noon.

ON THE AIR: The Coyotes are working with Sporting News Radio, 1450 KIOV-AM to have games on the air during April and May. The first game of the three-game series with Western Baptist will be carried on radio, with Mike Safford Jr. calling the action. The remaining games of the series will be webcast, with archives available on the Albertson baseball website.

NAIA POLL: The fourth NAIA baseball poll of the regular-season was released on Wednesday, with Oklahoma City holding the top spot for the second consecutive week, earning 11 of the 25 first-place votes. Embry-Riddle (Fla.) is second with eight first-place votes, Lewis-Clark State is third (with six first-place votes), followed by Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.) and Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.). The lone other NAIA Region I team in the rankings is British Columbia – ranked No. 27.

COYOTES STRUGGLE AT CONCORDIA: For the second consecutive season, the Coyote baseball team took its lumps in Portland against Concordia. The Cavaliers swept the ‘Yotes 9-2 and 11-2 on Saturday, giving up six home runs in the smallest ballpark in the NAIA Region I. Sunday, Albertson jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, but could not hold the lead. The ‘Yotes have now lost their last seven games at CU.

UTAH VALLEY TAKES TWO IN CALDWELL: Giving up runs in 11 of the 16 innings played, Albertson dropped a doubleheader to Utah Valley State at Simplot Stadium. UVSC jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the opener and cruised to the win. Josh Orr (Winnemucca, Nev. / Lowry HS) and Jake McGrady (Boise, Idaho / Borah HS) each had three hits in the opener. A six-run sixth inning was the downfall in Game 2, as Valley opened up a 4-2 game. Greg Stalling (Boise, Idaho / Borah HS) went 3-for-4 with two runs scored in the loss.

PORTER MAKES HIS COYOTE DEBUT: After nearly two years away from the game, Coyote right-hander James Porter (Greenleaf, Idaho / Northwest Nazarene) made his debut in an Albertson uniform against Concordia. Two knee surgeries later, Porter threw 63 pitches in a three inning stint in Portland, walking one and striking out five. His lone bad pitch was a grand slam homer that led to the Coyotes demise.

BATTING NUMBERS VS. THE LAST TWO YEARS: When looking at the 18-21 Coyotes in comparison to the last two seasons (42-20-1 in 2002 with a CWS appearance, and 29-23 in 2003 with a regional tournament appearance) – the hitting numbers are interesting. The 2004 Coyotes have a better team batting average (.314) than their previous two counterparts (.290 in 2003 and .284 in 2002), and have scored more runs per game 6.35 this season than last year 6.01. Though the power numbers have faltered (just 12 homers this season), the Coyotes have solid gap power – averaging nearly two two-baggers per game, whereas the last two ‘Yote teams have been in the 1.5 doubles per game average. Speed has also picked up this season, as the Coyotes have stolen 87 bases in 105 attempts – nearly catching the total of each of the last two years (89 in 2003 and 88 in 2002).

PITCHING NUMBERS VS. THE LAST TWO YEARS: Although the hitting numbers may be up, pitching and defense is where the ‘Yotes have struggled. During the last College World Series season, Albertson had a 3.36 team ERA – no pitcher on the staff this season has a mark that low. The ‘Yotes walked 2.5 batters per game that season, 3.2 batters per game last season, and four batters per game so far this season – more free base runners, more chances for the opponent to score runs. The opponent team batting average in 2002 was .257, .290 last year, and sits at .309 in 2004. Defensively, the .941 fielding percentage is much lower than the .958 average in 2002 and the .949 average last season.

HAVEN’T BEEN SHUTOUT: One offensive statistic have may have been overlooked is the fact that the Coyotes have not been shutout in 92 games – dating back to the 2002 season. The last shutout of the ‘Yotes was on May 29, 2002 in the semifinals of the College World Series, as Lewis-Clark State blanked Albertson, 5-0. During that stretch, the Coyotes have scored at least two runs in 87 of the 92 games.

LEAGUE MARKS: Albertson is dominating the upper echelon of the NAIA Region I statistics – especially in the hitting categories. Greg Stalling leads the region in runs scored (42), hits (51), ranks second in stolen bases (14), is third in doubles (13), and is tenth in batting average (.362). Billy Arko (Mountain Home, Idaho / Mountain Home HS) is second in batting average (.405) and leads the league in triples (4), while Jake McGrady is tops in stolen bases (21) and is fourth in hits (44). Nate Freese (Vancouver, Wash. / Skyview HS) is third in the region in hits (45) and fourth in doubles (12), with both Sage Kendall and Josh Orr ranking third in RBIs (29). As a team, the ‘Yotes are tied with Lewis-Clark State for tops in batting average (.314) and rank second in doubles (72), but are last in fielding percentage. On the mound, Brad Burrow (Taylorsville, Utah / College of Southern Idaho) leads the region in innings pitched (62.1) and is second in wins (5), Dominic DeLaPaz (Nampa, Idaho / Nampa HS) is tops in appearances (15), and Matt Bergstrom (Hermiston, Ore. / Hermiston HS) is second in strikeouts (42).

MOST STRIKEOUTS IN THREE YEARS: Junior Matt Bergstrom set a career high with 11 strikeouts in a 6-5 loss to Oregon Tech on March 28 – the most K’s for a Coyote pitcher in nearly three years. The last time an Albertson pitcher recorded more strikeouts in a game was on April 12, 2001, when Jason Stefani fanned 12 Lewis-Clark State batters. The school record is 15 strikeouts, set by Levi Lacey in 1997 and Craig Lewis in 1987.

WESTERN COMES TO TOWN FOR EASTER: The lone NAIA Region I team Albertson has not seen this season, Western Baptist, comes to town for a three-game series beginning Friday afternoon. The Warriors (11-13, 4-10) have lost four of their last five regional games – including three losses to British Columbia by a combined four runs. All-Star Nate Mayben (.396, 15 RBI) has been the most consistent hitter this season, while closer Scott Fitchett (3-2 3.82 ERA, four saves) has been nails. The question mark for Western is control of their pitching staff – which has a 6.70 ERA and 95 batters and struck out only 90. Albertson has won a commanding 48 of 53 games against the Warriors since 1990.

OFF TO UTAH: The Coyotes will conclude games against the NCAA next Tuesday with a doubleheader at the University of Utah. The Utes (7-17, 2-5 Mountain West) have struggled this season with the ability to close ball games. Clay Westmoreland (2-2 4.89 ERA, two saves) anchors the pitching staff, while all-star infielder Ryan Ciaramella (.359 3 HR 17 RBI) is the top hitter. The ‘Yotes have split games in Salt Lake each of the last two season and hold a 7-5 all-time edge on the Division I opponent.

MORE INFORMATION ON THE COYOTES: For game stories, statistics, and information regarding the Albertson baseball program, head to the official site Coyote baseball: www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/baseball.htm. Up to date regional scores and standings can also be found online at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/baseball/stats/standings.htm.

SOFTBALL (6-17): Lady ‘Yotes to begin record 14-game homestand this weekend vs. Southern and O.I.T.

LAST WEEK: at Western Baptist (W 2-1, L 12-0), at Concordia (L 13-4, W 3-1), at Western Oregon (L 9-1, L 10-2)

COMING UP: vs. No. 18 Southern Oregon, Friday, 11 a.m.; vs. Oregon Tech, Saturday, 11 a.m.

NOTE GAME DATE CHANGES: Due to the Easter holiday on Sunday, the Coyotes, along with Southern Oregon, Eastern Oregon, and Oregon Tech have all changed the dates of this weekend’s Cascade Conference games. Games originally scheduled for Saturday (SOU at ACI and OIT at EOU) will be played on Friday, with the Sunday games (OIT at ACI and SOU at EOU) will be played on Saturday.

INTERNET AND RADIO BROADCASTS: The ‘Yotes and Sporting News Radio have just about sealed a package that will air three softball doubleheaders in April on KIOV 1450-AM and www.kiov.com – stay tuned for more information.

SILENCING THE BAPTIST BATS, FOR A WHILE: After going winless in the Cascade Conference preseason tournament the previous week, the Albertson softball team looked to rebound against the free swinging squad from Western Baptist. Albertson did so in the first game, holding the Warriors, a team averaging nearly six runs a game, to just one in a 2-1 victory. With the game tied in the seventh, Heather Kirtley (Eagle, Idaho / Eagle HS) led off the inning with a single, stole second, and moved to third on a ground out. Kira Leaton (Boise, Idaho / Centennial HS) brought her home with a sacrifice fly that proved to be the difference. Kerri Russell (Melba, Idaho / Melba HS) picked up her first win of the season, giving up just three hits and striking out six in six innings of work. Things went the other direction in Game 2, as Western took a 12-0 victory.

EXTRA INNINGS EQUAL A WIN: After dropping a 13-4 decision to Concordia in Saturday’s opener, Albertson got back to the basics in Game 2 – and picked up their second CCC win. The Lady ‘Yotes manufactured a run in the third inning – as Heather McClure (Boise, Idaho / Centennial HS) singled, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, then scored on a slap single from freshman Anna Schroeder (Eagle, Idaho / Eagle HS). The Coyotes would win the game in the eighth inning, scoring twice – thanks to an error and a Lisa Stout (Caldwell, Idaho / Caldwell HS) sacrifice fly.

HISTORY OF LADY ‘YOTES AND EXTRA FRAMES: The eight-inning win for the Lady ‘Yotes ended a two-game losing skid in extra innings. Albertson won all three extended games during the 2002, including a school record ten inning game vs. Concordia. The Coyotes dropped both of their extra frame games in 2003.

WESTERN OREGON REBOUNDS: With 9-1 and 10-2 victories over Albertson on Tuesday afternoon, Western Oregon ended a ten-game losing streak. The ‘Yotes managed just six hits on the afternoon in dropping to 0-4 all-time against the NCAA Division II Wolves.

MATHEWS HAS GOOD TRIP: All-Region selection Tiffany Mathews (Las Vegas, Nev. / Eldorado HS) had the best road trip of any Coyote player – hitting an even .500 in the six games. The junior went 8-for-16 at the plate with a double and two RBI – upping her batting average to .288.

MILNE CLOSING THINGS OUT: Right-hander Laura Milne (Woodburn, Ore. / Blanchet Catholic HS) has found her niche in the ‘Yote bullpen this season. The sophomore is 3-0 with a team-best 1.91 ERA in ten appearances, nine out of the pen. Milne has already set a school record with two saves this season and has held opponents to a .200 batting average.

DON’T RUN AGAINST THE ‘YOTES: One thing teams in the Cascade Conference have begun to figure out is the Coyote catchers know a thing about being rally-killers. Albertson catchers have thrown out 47-percent of steal attempts this season – a gaudy statistic. Reserve catcher Tiffany Kerns (Boise, Idaho / Bishop Kelly HS) has been the biggest instigator, seeing 61-percent (11-of-18) of runners returning to the dugout with their heads hung low. Tiffany Mathews is just as good, tossing out 39-percent (12-of-31) of theft attempts.

THIS WEEKEND’S MATCH-UPS: The Lady ‘Yotes will begin a school-record 14-game homestand this weekend with games against Southern Oregon and Oregon Tech. Friday morning, the No. 18 ranked Raiders (20-4, 7-0 CCC) are off to their second-best start in school history and are riding the wave of an 11-game win streak. Kara Ray (.481 12 RBI) leads the league in hitting, while staff ace Miranda Gillespie (11-2 1.51 ERA) has won the past two NAIA Region I Player-of-the-Week honors. Southern has won the two games between the teams this season – 3-0 at the Central Washington Invitational and 10-1 at the Cascade Conference Preseason Tournament. Saturday, the Owls (12-12, 4-5) head to Caldwell – hoping no thunderstorms plague this season’s series (both previous doubleheaders at Symms Field have been delayed due to storms). OIT has been led by the freshmen duo of Kelsi Haylett (.389, 22 SB) and Amanda Doherty (.371 3 HR 15 RBI) and a deep pitching staff that has six different hurlers picking up wins. The Hooters topped Albertson, 2-1, in the CCC fracas two weeks ago, improving to 9-1 all time against the ‘Yotes.

MORE INFORMATION: Updated information and statistics on the 2004 softball team can be found on Albertson softball official website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/fastpitch.htm. Up-to-date Cascade Conference standings can be found online at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/softball/stats/standings.htm.

WOMEN’S TENNIS (1-8): Coyotes to take time off after Hawaii excursion

LAST WEEK: Lost to Hawaii-Hilo, 9-0; lost to Chaminade, 5-4

COMING UP: off until NAIA Region I Championships, Edmonton, Alberta, April 23-24.

'YOTES DROP TWO MATCHES IN HAWAII: One of the perks of being an Albertson College tennis player is that once every three or four years, the 'Yotes head for a Spring Break trip to Hawaii.  2004 was the year, as the Coyotes met NCAA Division II stalwarts, Hawaii-Hilo and Chaminade.  Although Hilo blanked the 'Yotes, Albertson held their own against Chaminade in a 5-4 loss.  Both Lauren Writer and Mariah Armstrong took home singles victories, while Anna Moylan and Kathy Taylor won their No. 2 doubles match, as did Armstrong and Whitney Gibbon and No. 3.

TOP PERFORMERS SO FAR THIS SEASON: In the nine counting matches, Anna Moylan leads the way with a 5-4 mark at No. 2 singles, having won 73 games.  In doubles play, Moylan and Kathy Taylor are 3-6 at No. 2, having won a team-high 36 games.

GOLF: Coyotes to open up on Monday.

COMING UP: at Lewis-Clark State Invitational, Lewiston, Idaho, Monday and Tuesday

TO LEWISTON WE GO: Albertson men's and women's golfers open up the spring season on Monday at the Lewis-Clark State Invitational at Bryden Canyon Golf Club.  The event is a 54-hole tournament, with 36 holes to be played on Monday, and the final 18 to be played on Tuesday.  Albertson will join all seven teams from the Frontier Conference, along with British Columbia in the event.

- ALBERTSON -